November is Career Month at the University of Manitoba. Over the next handful of weeks, we’ll be highlighting a selection of our alumni, their fascinating careers, and paths they navigated to land The Job.

Bachelor of Recreation Studies major Tannis Hogue is the general manager of Thermëa by Nordik Spa-Nature. She shares more about her current role, the career stops she’s made along with way, and how her foundation of learning as a FKRM student prepared her for it all.

What year did you graduate from U of M and what was your degree/major?

• 1999 Bachelor of Recreation Studies [now Bachelor of Recreation Management and Community Development]
• Majors in Marketing, English and Film Studies
• (I also lived at the campus radio station – hosted and produced “Pop Culture Vultures” on UMFM and was a frequent guest on other shows)

What was your first job upon graduation?

Assistant Dean of Residence at Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet.

What is your current job title, and what are some things you enjoy about your current career?

General Manager, Thermëa by Nordik Spa-Nature.

Thermëa is part of the Groupe Nordik family whose mission it is to transform the lives of people one visit at a time. We promote and provide enriching wellness experiences where people can heal, connect, rejuvenate and practice self-care.

It matters to me to be part of an innovative company that is collectively passionate about creating incredible experiences and contributing to the wellness of others.

I truly believe when we are well, we are the best versions of ourselves; we dream again; we can give others the love and care they deserve, and we remember what it is to live.

You’ve had some interesting positions and jobs along the way to where you are now. What are some highlights you’re proud of? Did you ever think you would be where you are now based on your first job out of school?

After the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, I was with Q-94FM, BOB FM and 1290 Starlight radio stations in the Promotions Department where I got to help companies and organizations with their awareness and growth.

Shortly after I started a Marketing & Communications company where my focus was helping companies/organizations with strategic planning, branding and creating memorable and winning customer experiences.

I also held positions with the Province at Manitoba Film & Music where it was my privilege to market Manitoba to the world as a fantastic place to film as well promote our diverse pool of stellar musical talent.

From there I was with Economic Development Winnipeg & Tourism Winnipeg as VP, Marketing and Communications – that’s when I was blessed with twin daughters and a son and took a break the corporate world for a while. As my kids got older, I continued with my company until last year when I decided to re-enter formal employment. I always kept my eye on Groupe Nordik and Thermëa and after I met the warm and fantastic people – they instantly felt like family.  I am also passionate about helping others see their full potential. I believe we were all born with purpose and unique gifts/strengths. It’s my honour to care for the team at Thermëa so they may pour care into our guests.

How did your education as student in our faculty prepare you for your career path?

The profs were incredible – very approachable, knowledgeable and warm. The faculty itself was pretty tight-knit…I still often see some of my classmates in the industry or at events. The curriculum at the time was going through some shifts I believe – but what I recall most was the preparation of how to create world class experiences/situations/backdrop for people to experience all kinds of wellness (leisure included). Completely foundational learning for where I find myself today (both as a mom and a contributor in the wellness/leisure industry).

What advice do you have for students near graduation as they seek a career in the field of their studies?

Two things:

1. Understand your strengths and grow them! Find out what makes you unique and what inspires you. Some wonderful resources to get them started include “The Truth About You” book/exercise by Marcus Buckingham and the Strengthsfinder 2.0 Assessment Tools by Gallup.
2. Don’t underestimate the power of mentorship. I have five in my life for various reasons -they all teach me and hold me accountable based on their experience. And, look around and see who you can influence as a mentor in your life – they may teach you a thing or two as well.

November is Career Month at the University of Manitoba. Over the next handful of weeks, we’ll be highlighting a selection of our alumni, their fascinating careers, and paths they navigated to land The Job.

We thought it fitting to commence Career Month by re-sharing the story of Philadelphia Eagles’ Physical Therapist/Assistant Athletic Trainer, Monte Wong.

Wong is a 2002 graduate of the Athletic Therapy stream in the Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science degree (now called Bachelor of Kinesiology) program. He shares how he leveraged his education at U of M to ultimately spring-board himself to a career in the upper echelon of his field.

What year did you graduate from U of M and what was your degree/major?

I graduated with my Bachelor of Science in 1998, and then I graduated with my Bachelor of Exercise And Sport Science Degree [now Kinesiology], majoring in Athletic Therapy in 2002.

Could you tell us about your career since you graduated? What’s your current position, and what do you like best about your current position?

The day after convocation in 2002, I hopped on a flight to Pittsburgh, PA, to start my next academic venture. I was accepted into the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at the University of Pittsburgh. 

While I was pursuing my Doctorate of Physical Therapy, I certified as an Athletic Trainer through the National Athletic Trainers Association, and I certified as a Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association.

I obtained my Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2005, and accepted a job in Pittsburgh at the Centers for Rehab Services, Center for Sports Medicine, at UPMC Sports Medicine. I worked there from 2005-2009, starting as a Staff Physical Therapist and was promoted to Senior Physical Therapist, as well as Clinical Coordinator of Education. 

In 2009, I decided to move to Minneapolis, MN, where I accepted a job offer from TRIA Orthopaedic Center as a Senior Physical Therapist. I worked there from 2009-2013. During my time in Minneapolis, I got involved with the NHL’s Minnesota Wild, treating their players who were not traveling because of injury. I also got involved with the NFL’s Minnesota Vikings, where I started to help them with pre-season physicals, and then to mini-camps. For two seasons, I ended up helping the athletic training staff out on the sidelines during home games. I also became Board Certified in Sports Physical Therapy.

In 2013, the Philadelphia Eagles called me regarding a position with their athletic training staff, on recommendation from the Minnesota Vikings athletic training staff. I accepted a position with the Eagles and became their Physical Therapist/Assistant Athletic Trainer.

I have been with the Eagles since then, and I just finished my fifth season with the organization.

What I like best about working for the Eagles is that it feels like being part of a family and has felt that way from the very beginning. They welcomed my family with open arms, and having that has been tremendous, especially coming to a city where we did not know anyone. The mentality about being a family, with this season in particular, definitely showed. We overcame a lot of adversity and everyone stuck together, pulling for each other and fighting for each other. From top down, we are all together and the outcome was the perfect ending. The city of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Eagles organization couldn’t have deserved this championship anymore. My family and I are forever grateful to be a part of this group.

How did your time as a student in the faculty of kinesiology and recreation management help in your career and personal goals?

As I reflect on my career, there have been many people in my life that I am forever indebted to, as I would not be the clinician and person that I am now. Jackie Elliott [Athletic Therapy program director] was the very first person to take a chance on me to be a part of the Athletic Therapy Program. I wouldn’t be where I am now if she didn’t believe in me. My Athletic Therapy Supervisors pushed me and taught me to be a professional, to be creative, and to work hard. I received a tremendous education from the professors, particularly Dr. Elizabeth Ready and Dr. Marion Alexander. They prepared me for my studies in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at the University of Pittsburgh. I had the opportunity to work with Bison Sports for four years, and having that experience working with the collegiate athletes and coaches, was invaluable.

I also had the opportunity to be a part of Bison Women’s Volleyball coach Ken Bentley’s staff over two seasons, and I am grateful that he gave me the chance to express and shape how I wanted to be as a clinician.

My classmates have also helped in my career and personal goals. All of us studied together. All of us pushed each other to be the best. I learned about what the definition of perseverance is with this group. I couldn’t be more proud of my peers and what they have accomplished in their careers, and I continue to keep in contact with them. People such as Amy Young, Jenn Romanoff, Lana DeBeer, Jason Moniz, Paul Ayotte, Dong Lien, and Rob Milette to name a few.

What were some of your greatest challenges as a student, and what were some of your best experiences?

I have always believed that you can always take positives from any experience, and I had a ton of great experiences while I was a student in the Athletic Therapy Program at the University of Manitoba.

One of my fondest memories was being a part of the 2001 national champion Bison Women’s Volleyball Team. There was a lot of similarity in character between that team and the team that won the Super Bowl this year. The resiliency that these two teams had were uncanny.

What advice would you give to the current students and students interested in studying Athletic Therapy at U of M?

Be open to any type of opportunity, because you will learn something regardless of how big or small that opportunity is. Be honest, humble and positive. Dream big.      

How would you describe your journey this year as a part of the Super Bowl winning Philadelphia Eagles? Can you describe the intensity of the game?

It was an incredible journey this past season with the Philadelphia Eagles. A lot of people counted this team out but we rallied together every time adversity hit. This was a special group because we all believed in each other.  It was a strong locker room. For the game itself, the Super Bowl was intense, but it was a good intensity because everybody brought in so much energy, positivity and confidence the week leading up and then the day of the game.

Do you get to have a day with the Lombardi Trophy?

I believe the Lombardi Trophy is displayed in the trophy case at the complex. Winning the Lombardi trophy is not like winning the Stanley Cup, where people get a day with the trophy.

What does a typical day look like for you from a professional working standpoint? It sounds like even in the off-season you’re quite busy.

Besides treating the players, we collaborate with the equipment staff to prepare for practices and games, as well as the strength and conditioning/sports science staff to figure out how to maximize athletic performance. This collaboration occurs during the regular season and off season.

You’re clearly at a pinnacle in your industry- do you have any other professional goals you’d like to attain?

As a professional, regardless of whether you’re at the top of your industry or not, the goal is to continually work on improving your skill set. It would be a disservice to you and others to be complacent. My goal has always been to improve patient care. It benefits the athlete, the organization, but it strengthens myself as a clinician.

The goal is to consistently be in the situation of playing and competing at the highest level every year. On the medical side, it is our responsibility to make sure that our athletes are in top physical condition to perform at their best.

October is Occupational Therapy month. Jacquelyn Dumontet [B.Kin/11, M.O.T./14] is a mental health professional with the Winnipeg Regional Heath Authority who earned a master of occupational therapy degree at the U of M after obtaining a bachelor of kinesiology parchment from the university a couple years prior. 

In the October edition of KinRec Connect, Dumontet shares more about her time as a FKRM student, how it prepared her for the jump into occupational therapy studies, and how it’s all helped forge her into the professional she is today.

What year did you graduate from U of M and what was your degree/major?

I earned my bachelor of kinesiology degree in 2011 and then my master’s in occupational therapy in 2014.

How did your time as a student in the Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management help in your career and personal goals?

Well, interestingly, in my first year we had to research a future career that interested us. I chose occupational therapy (OT), and as part of the assignment had to make contact with persons employed as same. Unbeknownst to me, several years later the two people I contacted would be part of my OT world; one as my first fieldwork educator and the second as a professor. Beyond that, Kinesiology laid the foundation necessary for an understanding of human movement, a key component to any rehab field, as well as the confidence to interact with a variety of clients. Fieldwork was fantastic as it allows you to “trial” a career you may be interested in without the commitment.

What were some of your greatest challenges as a student, and what were some of your best experiences?

Time management is struggle for most students, personally I struggled with it as I maintained full-time employment throughout my schooling (and am also a full-time procrastinator ;). Best experiences I would have say were labs; the hands-on learning was invaluable. The energy within the faculty, both professors and students, was unique and served to re-energize me during times I was perhaps reconsidering my chosen field.

What made you decide to pursue your master’s degree in Occupational Therapy, and how did your B.Kin prepare you for that next step in your educational journey?

One of my professors ran an exercise research lab that I was fortunate to be hired by. It was my employment within there, and realization that many individuals weren’t able to reach physical health goals as a direct result of other, but often, socioeconomic barriers. I was drawn to OT for its holistic treatment approach. Again, Kinesiology was helpful as it laid the groundwork for understanding some vital parts of rehab, namely the human body, as well as the importance of being able to engage a wide audience.

Could you tell us a little about your career since you graduated? What’s your current position, and what do you like best about your current position.

I’m employed in the mental health field at the Crisis Response Centre as a Mental Health Clinician. My role is largely mental health assessments completed on individuals presenting amidst a mental health crisis. I also work casual with PACT, where clients are followed on long-term basis. Presently, I enjoy the variability in my days. Though at times chaotic, I am fortunate to have the opportunity to get to know a wide variety of people, and usually their intensely personal stories, in a short amount of time and hopefully have the opportunity to affect positive change. 

What advice do you have for current FKRM students interested in pursuing OT or another related field?

Do it! Shadow anyone you can and ask a lot of questions. Connect with your faculty of interest beforehand and get you name out there! Also, take the fieldwork option. It’s invaluable and you get extra time to hang with Colleen Plumton.

What year did you graduate from U of M and what was your degree/major?

Spring 2009 – Bachelor of Kinesiology, major in Athletic Therapy (AT).

Could you tell us a little about your career since you graduated? What’s your current position, and what do you like best about your current position?

Passed my national certification with the Canadian Athletic Therapists Association in June 2010, then worked as a Certified Athletic Therapist at a couple of clinics in Winnipeg prior to starting up my own private practice in August 2014, Academy Athletic Therapy. 

I have also been a service provider with the Canadian Sport Centre Manitoba since 2011. 

I work long hours which can be mentally and emotionally exhausting depending on the day. Despite that, I enjoy being in the clinic because my patients are great people I enjoy interacting and getting to know. Patients come through the front door looking forward to their appointment and leaving feeling better, can’t get any better than that. The clinic feels like home, a place you can be yourself so there are times we are singing songs out loud, dancing to the Macarena, YMCA, etc., watching cartoons with preschool patients while they get treatment and most often working out doing the same exercises with the patients because it’s all one-on-one time quality time. 

I have been a medical practitioner working with Olympians at major events such as the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup where I was the lead therapist for the Winnipeg location, 2015 Pan Am Games (Toronto) with aquatics, modern pentathlon and fencing, 2015 ParaPan Am Games (Toronto) with para-athletics (met Winnipegger Michelle Stillwell who is a 7x paralympic medalist and many interesting individuals), and 2017 Summer Universiade as a therapist with Team Canada Men’s Volleyball.

“I’ll know I’ll make it to the Olympics some day as a medical staff.”

I was also the recipient of the Canadian Athletic Therapists Association for “The Greatest Impact” award in 2017 for National Athletic Therapy Month.

How did your time as a student in the faculty of kinesiology and recreation management help in your career and personal goals?

Finding a balance between university courses, studying, exercising, working, clinic and field placements, not to mention having a personal life and maybe have some fun.

Jackie Elliott (program director) challenged each and every student to become better than who we were before being accepted in the faculty. Jackie helped students in her free time prepare for the national exam (four-hour written, three-hour practical: 1.5 hours clinic and 1.5 hours field – seven hours total completed over two days) helping us to fine tune our skills.

“I’m grateful I had the experiences I did in the faculty because I wouldn’t be the professional I am today.” 

What were some of your greatest challenges as a student, and what were some of your best experiences?

Challenges: learning how to be strong and confident with the numerous skills I was expected to learn. Fourth year was the most challenging.

Best experiences:

• First day in the AT program being told to make a friend because we were learning how to massage using each other to practice on
• Studying anatomy with cadavers at Basic Medical Sciences at the Bannatyne campus (my year was the last group to have courses split between both campuses)
• AT faculty “big brother/sister, little brother/sister” program was a blast getting to know the older students and them showing us the ropes round both campuses but helping out when they could if we had questions

What advice would you give to current students and students interested in studying athletic therapy?

Never stop learning; keep those thick, heavy textbooks after you’ve certified because there’s only so much you can fit in your head.

To anyone who says there aren’t jobs as an Athletic Therapist: I started my private practice in 2014 and have 400 patients from word of mouth, networking, social events, marketing and social media ranging from 4 – 83 years old. Trust in yourself and keep that fire burning under your bottom.

Each challenge, obstacle you face right now will help you to become the strong, confident and knowledgeable professional you dream of becoming.

Connect with Melissa on social media! She posts plenty of content on athletic therapy, her business, and more. @academyat695 on Instagram, YouTube, and @AcademyAT695 on Twitter.

While she only earned her degree last year, the 24-year-old FKRM alumna is already making an impact in her field.

This story begins in 2016 while Ophey was on fieldwork placement with the City of Winnipeg’s Community Service and Recreation Department. Her first assignment was a big one, she recalls.

“I was asked to take on a report into barriers to sport for North End youth. Not an easy task, but I helped stir the pot a little bit.”

Over the span of her four-month placement, Ophey re-assessed previous reports into the matter, interviewing close to 40 different organizations (primarily north end schools, sport and recreation providers).

Ophey’s report identified finances, transportation, and lack of equipment and support as the most significant barriers for youth access to high quality sport and recreation. 

“A lot of kids in this area aren’t playing sports outside of school,” she adds. “That’s because there’s a huge lack of transportation, and also major physical literacy issues with kids, so forming teams is near impossible.”

Amongst her recommendations is the need for the north end have it’s own youth sports leagues administrated by the City of Winnipeg.

“Transportation is a major barrier for children and youth in the north end. Instead of having to travel to centres elsewhere in the city, they could just hop from local community centre to community centre by walking,” says Ophey. “That would eliminate so many barriers.”

The report is now with a City of Winnipeg planning committee to start enacting the recommendations.

Below is a Q&A we did with Ophey. She shares more about her time as a student and provides some tips and advice for current and prospective students.

Could you tell us a little about your career since you graduated? What’s your current position, and what do you like best about your current position?

Even though I graduated in February, I ended my field work placement mid December of 2017, and was employed less than a week later. I’m currently a Program Coordinator at Winnipeg Inner City Missions, where I oversee the after school program for children and youth out of the north end. I absolutely love working with children, youth and the community in the north end and am thrilled with my current position.

In other terms of my career, I did my fieldwork placement with the City of Winnipeg just before I graduated. I was given the task of looking into north end sport barriers. I worked with local organizations, sport providers, schools and community members to address the lack of sport in the north end. I wrote a North End Sport Forum Report that covers my findings and suggestions to overcome the barriers north end residents face in regards to sport participation.

Since I graduated I have been asked to present my findings, meet with local organizations to help spread awareness and create change. As well, I was asked to be on a panel at the 2018 Sport and Reconciliation Gathering, where I shared my report and related it to the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action. Being asked to attend and participate in the Sport and Reconciliation Gathering was a huge honor and an amazing experience.

How did your time as a student in the faculty of kinesiology and recreation management help in your career and personal goals?

Having been a student of the FKRM, it taught me the importance of networking and getting your name out there. The faculty also does an amazing job of preparing students for employment within the field.

My personal goals and career goals are closely related. After finishing my degree my main goal was to find full time employment and since then I have more free time to seek out new interests and spend more time on hobbies I couldn’t while I was in school.

What were some of your greatest challenges as a student, and what were some of your best experiences?

I found some of my greatest challenges as a student was trying to manage my stress. I worked almost full time with a full course load while finishing my degree. Thankfully I was very good with time management and would start both assignments and studying weeks a head of time so I knew I had enough time to work and do well on my assignments. Towards the end of my degree it got easier and  was abet to take on more tasks, and was able to manage everything with ease. My time management also came in handy during my field work experience due to the independence of my project.

Some of my best experiences included group projects with my peers, and my field work experience. I also enjoyed a lot of the required courses for recreation management as I found them both interesting, meaningful and relevant.

What advice would you give to current students and students interested in studying kinesiology/rec management?

Current students: I would highly encourage them to take the field work experience. My fieldwork provided me with an excellent project which is still ongoing, an amazing networking experience, and gave me confidence in my abilities.

Interested students: Our faculty and field is growing immensely. The general public is starting to realize the benefits of recreation on their health and overall well-being and if you want to be at the front lines of helping the public reach their goals, FKRM is right for you.

What year did you graduate from U of M and what was your degree/major?

I graduated in Feb. 2012 with a Bachelor of Recreation Management and Community Development.

Could you tell us a little about your career since you graduated? What’s your current position, and what do you like best about your current position?

When I graduated, I was fortunate enough to have already been employed with Recreation Services within the Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management starting in Sept. 2009. I worked closely with the Coordinator of Intramurals, Clubs and Special Events and oversaw a lot of the day-to-day operations of those campus programs. I was also the League Convenor of the University of Manitoba hockey, basketball and soccer leagues until Dec. 2013.

From there, I thought I should explore other opportunities in recreation and sport outside of the faculty, and in general, the University of Manitoba (I had already spent so much time there as a student!). I joined the Manitoba Major Soccer League and was its Member Services Coordinator until March 2015. I eventually returned to the university as a Student Recruitment Representative in the Admissions Office and then re-joined Recreation Services as a customer service representative at the Active Living Centre in Oct. 2015.

In Jan. 2016, I began my current position as the special events & projects coordinator for Volleyball Manitoba. I knew I wanted a career in sport administration before graduating but after graduating, I realized that I also really enjoyed event management. My current position allows me to do both as the event coordinator of Super-Spike, one of Canada’s biggest outdoor/beach volleyball tournaments, and overseeing other Volleyball Manitoba day-to-day operations.

How did your time as a student in the faculty of kinesiology and recreation management help in your career and personal goals?

As a student in the FKRM, I learned the importance of networking with other professionals in the field. The faculty does a great job in providing those opportunities for its students. I was able to form professional relationships with individuals that have helped me in my career and reaching my personal goals through recommendations and referrals for employment and volunteer opportunities. It also helped me to get to where I am today in my current position.

What were some of your greatest challenges as a student, and what were some of your best experiences?

One of the challenges as a student, for me, were my first two years of university after high school. I tried taking on full course loads each term and it was a lot. I wanted to complete a degree within four years, but I realized that taking my time was better suited for me. This lead to one of the best experiences I had as a student, which was being a student employee for Recreation Services as an Intramural Supervisor. I reduced my course load and did well in my classes but was able to gain practical knowledge and working experience as the same time.

What advice would you give to current students and students interested in studying in faculty of kinesiology and recreation management?

To current students: take advantage of the fieldwork program offered in the faculty if you can. It is a great opportunity to gain practical experience and as I mentioned previously, a great opportunity to network with other professionals in the field.

To interested  students: this field is growing and will continue to grow. If you have a commitment to, or interest in, promoting physical activity and healthy lifestyles, studying kinesiology/recreation management is the way to go!

What year did you graduate from U of M and what was your degree/major?

I graduated in Feb. 2008 majoring in Kinesiology – Health and Wellness stream. That is ten years ago this year!

Could you tell us a little about your career since you graduated? What’s your current position, and what do you like best about your current position?

Once I graduated, I volunteered at several gyms throughout the city. I also began one-on-one personal training right out of school. In Aug. 2009, I started my own business, De Leo Athletics, which offered private, small group training and bootcamps. My career has provided me with so many amazing opportunities to work with a wide range of people and athletes which always keeps things interesting. During my career I have worked with everyday individuals trying to get in shape to elite NHL athletes, I have even had the opportunity to work with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers leading the team in day after game recovery exercises. In 2016 I had the opportunity to work on television as a off ice trainer for the reality TV show Hit The Ice. You never know what kind of interesting opportunities can come your way!

While running my business I offered services ranging from team training services such as: strength & conditioning, as well as TRX and yoga cross training sessions to individual in home private training sessions. In 2012, I offered my services at Yoga Public and part-time at Sport Manitoba. With my wide range of experience I was consulted to develop and design some gym spaces at local gyms. In Oct. 2016, I began my dream job and was brought on board full-time at Sport Manitoba as the Fitness Centre Manager (my current position) for the brand new Canada Games Sport for Life Centre. Just under a year later the doors are open to the public and it has been a great learning experience for myself and the staff. I am looking forward to the next 10 years. What I love about my current position is the ability to collaborate with so many like minded and passionate people. We get to offer all our services and make them accessible to the whole community. The people, visitors, members and staff always keep things interesting with different ideas and suggestions that my team and I get to bring to life.

How did your time as a student in the Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management help in your career and personal goals?

For the first two years of university I was pursuing a degree in nursing. When I made the switch I realized that the Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management was the perfect degree that married my love for health activity and science. I viewed this field as preventative health care – helping to keep people moving and out of the hospitals and living longer, healthier and happier lives.

What were some of your greatest challenges as a student, and what were some of your best experiences?

Coming from Thunder Bay, Ont., one challenge was becoming independent at a young age. I had two jobs throughout my degree, and I was also a founding member of the University of Manitoba Cheerleading team, so learning to manage and thrive within my various roles helped provide me with the skills I would need as an entrepreneur. Being the oldest child, I was the first in my family to graduate from university and being able to inspire my family while I was away was a challenge but it was worth it!

What advice would you give to current students and students interested in studying in our faculty?

Get out there and volunteer as much as you can. There are so many different options in this exciting and growing field. The internship program is a great place to start to get some practical experience before you graduate as well. Gain experience in different areas and find your niche. Be patient, it took me a few years to grow my business, but I still train my very first client who has been with me since Feb. 2008.